Shane Mumford says pieces falling into place for GWS Giants ahead of finals
AFTER a tumultuous run of injuries, and despite a woeful loss against Geelong, Shane Mumford says the Giants are in their best shape and ready to ambush Adelaide in the opening week of finals.
GWS
Don't miss out on the headlines from GWS. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AFTER a tumultuous run of injuries, Shane Mumford says the GWS Giants’ “rotating door” roster is in its best shape all season as they embark on just their second AFL finals campaign.
Mumford ventured deep into Swans territory on Monday in the Sydney CBD for an interactive finals promotion.
The veteran ruckman used a video advertisement board at a bus shelter on York Street as a call-to-arms for fans, all the while hiding his 199cm frame in a nearby studio before surprising them with match tickets.
SUPERLADDER: WHERE DID YOUR CLUB FINISH?
WHO PLAYS WHO: AFL FINALS EXPLAINED
Mumford said aspects of the side’s performance were woeful in their 44-point loss to Geelong on Saturday, but remains confident they can recover and ambush minor premiers the Crows in the opening week of finals in Adelaide.
The pre-season favourites led the competition after 15 rounds, before a growing casualty ward plagued the back end of their season, relegating the club to fourth place on the ladder.
“We’ve had a revolving door on our team this year. Every week it seems we have two guys going in and two guys going out,” Mumford said ahead of the clash with the Crows on Thursday week.
“With our healthy twos squad last weekend and this weekend it’s the most guys we’ve had playing all year.
“So to have most guys fit and firing at this time of year can only benefit the team.”
The largely inexperienced squad faces the added pressure of expectation following their red-hot early season form, with a number of question marks still clouding their true flag credentials.
Mumford shrugged off the notion of external pressures, saying the heartbreak of last year’s preliminary final loss to the Western Bulldogs will play into the Giants’ hands.
“When you get beaten in what a lot of people said was one of the best games last year, that high pressure, high intensity game, it can only benefit guys this year and drive us to want to achieve more,” Mumford said.
“I don’t think anyone at the club has read into external expectations, as a footy club you’ve got your own internal expectations.
“All the external stuff is just noise for me, so no I don’t think that’s affected us at all.”
Mumford pinpointed the Giants’ ferocity at the contest and ability to win the ball at ground level as vital areas in upsetting the minor premiers, who are coming off a shock loss of their own against West Coast.
Should they contain the most potent attacking outfit in the competition, GWS will find themselves in serious contention for another Grand Final qualifier on home turf.
Originally published as Shane Mumford says pieces falling into place for GWS Giants ahead of finals
‘Positions up for grabs’: Leake keen for Giant start as Devils loom
GWS are looking towards the next generation and Tasmanian James Leake is eager to break into the side. Plus the young Giant touches on his future — with the Devils entering the AFL in 2028.
Coniglio on track for return as young Giants steal the show
Stephen Coniglio faced one of the “most difficult periods” of his career after injuring his shoulder last year, but is on track for round 1. Plus, see the latest from the GWS match simulation.